Attenuation of reactor radiations in serpentine sand

Abstract

The results are given of an experimental investigation of the attenuation of reactor radiations in serpentine sand having a poured density of 1·62 g/cm³. The sand examined contained about 11·5 per cent water in chemical combination, which is given off at temperatures above 450°C.

Measurements were made of the attenuation of fast and thermal neutron fluxes, attenuation of the neutron dose and γ-radiation, and also of fast neutron spectra in serpentine sand. Relaxation lengths of fast neutrons calculated on the basis of the experimental data are compared with the relaxation lengths of fast neutrons in boron carbide, serpentine concrete and iron-ore concentrate.